SYNOPSIS OF INTERVIEW: Susan Simmons Stevenson, founder of the

Lifecycle Network, shares her entrepreneurial journey and what led her to

start her own business. She discusses the challenges she faced as an

entrepreneur, such as breaking through corporate barriers, and

emphasizes the importance of networking and building relationships to

secure contracts. Susan also talks about her company’s services, which

include staffing and HR solutions, as well as their commitment to diversity

and inclusivity in the workforce.

SYNOPSIS OF INTERVIEW: Ivana Oli, co-founder of Beautiful Curly Me, a

company that makes dolls, books, and other products aimed at boosting the

confidence and self-esteem of young black girls. It details how the company

was started by Oli’s daughter Zoe when she was 6 years old because she

wanted dolls that looked like her, and how the business has grown from that

original idea. Oli shares insights into challenges they faced as a startup, the

importance of community, and their goals to impact millions of girls globally.